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Horror Cult Classic

A scientist’s obsession births a soulless creation he struggles to conceal from those he loves.

FRANKENSTEIN

1984 · 1h 7m · NR · Horror / Science Fiction / Thriller / TV Movie · IMDB TMDB

A scientist who is obsessed with creating life finally does it, with tragic results.

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Quick Answer

What is Frankenstein about?

Frankenstein is a 1984 United Kingdom and United States horror, science fiction, and thriller TV movie directed by James Ormerod about a scientist who creates a soulless man from spare parts and tries to hide him from his beloved.

Programmer's Pick

Carrie Fisher and David Warner bring formidable presence to a TV take on the gothic classic—now with extra lightning and guilt. This brisk 67-minute adaptation doesn’t skimp on the laboratory atmosphere or the creator’s moral crisis.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

In this adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic, Dr. Frankenstein is consumed by his obsession to create life, ultimately stitching together a man from spare parts within the shadowy confines of his laboratory. Driven by ambition and scientific curiosity, he succeeds where others have failed, but his creation—a being without a soul—proves to be a secret too monstrous to share. As Frankenstein struggles to keep his experiment hidden from his beloved and the world, the gothic horror and moral dilemmas unfold against a backdrop of 19th-century intrigue, exploring themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god.

Details & Specs

Director
James Ormerod
Writers
Mary Shelley, Victor Gialanella
Release
1984
Runtime
1h 7m
Country
United Kingdom, United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller, TV Movie

Cast & Crew

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Director: James Ormerod Writers: Mary Shelley +1 more
Robert Powell Robert Powell Victor Frankenstein David Warner David Warner Creature Carrie Fisher Carrie Fisher Elizabeth John Gielgud John Gielgud De Lacey Terence Alexander Terence Alexander Alphonse Frankenstein Susan Wooldridge Susan Wooldridge Justine Michael Cochrane Michael Cochrane Henry Clervell Graham McGrath Graham McGrath William Frankenstein Edward Judd Edward Judd Metz JC James Coyle Scholz AP Arnold Peters Busch Roberta Taylor Roberta Taylor Gerta

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Why Cult

Gothic Horror Atmosphere

Set amid 19th-century shadows and scientific hubris, this adaptation leans into classic gothic horror vibes.

Notable Cast

Carrie Fisher, David Warner, and John Gielgud add gravitas and charisma to this take on Shelley’s tale.

Science Runs Amok

Frankenstein’s secret project brings classic ‘playing god’ drama and the perils of unchecked ambition.

Concise TV Version

At just 67 minutes, this adaptation distills the essential horror and tragedy without overstaying its welcome.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Frankenstein's creation of life from spare parts

Threat

Soulless man brought to life

Effect

Tragic consequences for the creator and those around him

Setting

19th-century laboratories and environs

Questions from the Vault

When was Frankenstein released? +

Frankenstein was released in 1984.

Who directed Frankenstein? +

Frankenstein was directed by James Ormerod.

How long is Frankenstein? +

Frankenstein has a runtime of 67 minutes.

What genre is Frankenstein? +

Frankenstein is a horror, science fiction, and thriller TV movie.

Trailers & Clips

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